Custom Dash

[dsnyder]

I am looking at upgrading my air conditioning in my Spider and I am wondering if there are spots in the dash that could accommodate the AC vents/louvers. I don't have my dash out but I am trying to decide whether to purchase a kit where the vents are mounted in the dash or under. The car already has AC but it is one of those units that is entirely on above the passenger's knees and it is a lousy fit. Thought anyone?

[So Cal Mark]

unless you remove the glove box, the unit will have to sit under the right side of the dash.

[davery]

unless you remove the glove box, the unit will have to sit under the right side of the dash.

I have been thinking about this also. I have not taken apart my dash, but if the fan blower was removed could a heater/ac combo unit fit? I was thinking of replacing the existing heater with an aftermarket combo unit from a hot rod, then using the existing ducts on the dash. I was also looking at maybe adding a duct on the outsides of the dash, next to the doors. Perhaps a thin one under the dash. I am a couple of years away from redoing my dash, just in the planning stages now.

[dsnyder]

Davery- I believe I am trying to do exactly what you describe. I have currently removed the center console and the heater blower. I have found a Heat/Cool/Defrost unit that should fit just fine where the old heater unit used to be. I plan on building a custom center console that will incorporate the AC switches and two round vents (2" Vents) and I need a spot on each outboard side of the car for two more round 2" vents. I am thinking about where the headlight switch is on the driver's side and the same respective spot on the passenger side. -Don't know if anyone has ever but a blower vent in that spot. Also, there is also the below the dash option but that is not quite as clean.

Also, I will be eliminating the large plastic plenum that feeds to defrost vents and just running two hoses up to the defrost vents. Do I need to remove the dash to get the defrost plenum out?

Dave

[davery]

Davery- I believe I am trying to do exactly what you describe. I have currently removed the center console and the heater blower. I have found a Heat/Cool/Defrost unit that should fit just fine where the old heater unit used to be. I plan on building a custom center console that will incorporate the AC switches and two round vents (2" Vents) and I need a spot on each outboard side of the car for two more round 2" vents. I am thinking about where the headlight switch is on the driver's side and the same respective spot on the passenger side. -Don't know if anyone has ever but a blower vent in that spot. Also, there is also the below the dash option but that is not quite as clean.

Also, I will be eliminating the large plastic plenum that feeds to defrost vents and just running two hoses up to the defrost vents. Do I need to remove the dash to get the defrost plenum out?

Dave

Sounds like you are further along than I am. I am going to build a custom cneter and upper console. I will mount the controls and a set of vents in the upper console. On an 85 the headlight switch is on the column. I was thinking of maybe putting a vent in the corner of the dash, right above the map pocket. I do not know about the defrost plenum. What unit are you going with? I was looking at one with electronic controls. Good luck and take lots of pics.

[lanciahf]

Dave where did you get the Heat/Cool/Defrost unit from? I need something similar for my Scorpion.

Davery- I believe I am trying to do exactly what you describe. I have currently removed the center console and the heater blower. I have found a Heat/Cool/Defrost unit that should fit just fine where the old heater unit used to be. I plan on building a custom center console that will incorporate the AC switches and two round vents (2" Vents) and I need a spot on each outboard side of the car for two more round 2" vents. I am thinking about where the headlight switch is on the driver's side and the same respective spot on the passenger side. -Don't know if anyone has ever but a blower vent in that spot. Also, there is also the below the dash option but that is not quite as clean.

Also, I will be eliminating the large plastic plenum that feeds to defrost vents and just running two hoses up to the defrost vents. Do I need to remove the dash to get the defrost plenum out?

Dave

[dsnyder]

I have not purchased it yet but the one I am looking at is called a Hurricane from Old Air. Not cheap! But I guess price is relevant when I put $100 worth of fuel in my suburban...

[Khalifa]

I am looking at upgrading my air conditioning in my Spider and I am wondering if there are spots in the dash that could accommodate the AC vents/louvers. I don't have my dash out but I am trying to decide whether to purchase a kit where the vents are mounted in the dash or under. The car already has AC but it is one of those units that is entirely on above the passenger's knees and it is a lousy fit. Thought anyone?

I know its old posts, but since I’m planning to have custom A/C for my 82 and keep looking for some ideas and info. I come with this with Photoshop help, using Chevy HHR HVAC and dash vents
You can replace the wiper switch and dimmer switch to the gauge dash or to located in the shift consul

[davery]

Interesting. I have looked at dozens of vents, those seem to be the easy part. The issue I am having is the controls. The ones that come with the units all look so not what I am going for. I was looking for something like what would be in a modern car.

[Khalifa]

I was looking for something like what would be in a modern car.

Look to ACDelco 15-72956 Heater and Air Conditioner Control Panel Assembly.
With little modification may be suit you.